Mauricio, Kahlefeldt Bag Pro Titles in Ironman 70.3

Cebu Gov. Hilario P. Davide III fired the canon to start track Cebu’s biggest long-distance triathlon race Regent Aguila Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship held in a resort hotel in Lapu-Lapu City on Sunday, Aug. 5.

Along with the governor was City Mayor Paz Radaza who also signaled the sound and smoke of the gun for the more than 2,000 local and international athletes to begin the 1.9-kilometer swim, 90K bicycle ride and 21K marathon.

Jobel Angan-Davide, the governor’s wife, also showed support to the contestants who enthusiastically greeted the morning eager to face the three continuous and sequential endurance races.

A field of 2,700 athletes from 52 countries engaged in a star-studded event that will hand out trophies and medals designed and made by world renowned Cebuano designer Kenneth Cobonpue.

Mexican Mauricio Mendez wins the professional title as he finished three hours, and 46 minutes and 45 seconds against 2018 European Championship Frankfurt 7th placer Tyler Butterfield who finished three hours, 47 minutes and 39 seconds. New Zealand’s number one endurance athlete, Braden Currie, finished three hours, 47 minutes, and 39 seconds.

Ironman 70.3 Davao superstar Radka Kahlefeldt (Czech Republic) grabbed this year’s women’s pro tile after finishing four hours, 20 minutes and 12 seconds.

Cebu Provincial traffic focal person Jonathan “Joy” Tumulak said that yesterday’s competition was manageable, except for minor traffic complaints in Lapu-Lapu.

Tumulak said there were six incidents of flat tires this year occurring along first Mandaue-Mactan Bridge, Zueleg Boardwalk, D.M. Cortes and A. Soriano Roads in Mandaue City. There were also self-accidents and leg cramps reported, Tumulak added.

The Regent Aguila Ironman 70.3 Asia Pacific Championship is supported by the Cebu Provincial Government, Lapu-Lapu City Government, Mandaue City Government, Shangrila’s Mactan Resort and Spa, 2Go Express, Active Network, Be Resorts Mactan, Crimson Resort and Spa Mactan, and Waterfront Airport Hotel and Casino. (Cebu Prov Gov’t/Jethro Malvin Bacolod, photos by Chad, Albert and Harold)